A significant demonstration in London on September 6, 2025, saw approximately 1,500 participants gather in Parliament Square. The protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, was held in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, which the UK government recently designated as a terrorist organization.
The Metropolitan Police reported making over 400 arrests during the event. These arrests were primarily conducted under the Terrorism Act, as supporting a proscribed organization is a criminal offense in the UK, carrying a potential sentence of up to 14 years imprisonment. Police stated that officers faced significant abuse, including physical and verbal assaults, during the operation.
Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK government on July 5, 2025, following incidents of vandalism at military sites, including damage to aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. This designation has sparked considerable debate regarding the balance between national security and fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
Critics, including United Nations experts and various human rights organizations, have voiced concerns that the proscription conflates legitimate protest with terrorism and could stifle dissent. The protest saw participants displaying banners with messages like "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Defend Our Juries stated that the arrests were an overreach of authority, particularly targeting individuals for holding signs, and the group has committed to challenging the ban through judicial review.
The event underscores a broader societal division and a contentious dialogue surrounding the government's actions. While the Metropolitan Police emphasized the need to enforce the law, citing the protection of national security, a segment of the public continues to express solidarity with Palestine Action, viewing the proscription as an infringement on civil liberties. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has previously warned that such measures risk hindering the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms. The scale of the arrests and the ongoing legal challenges highlight the complex interplay between state security measures and citizens' rights to assemble and voice their opinions.